# Alpine Salamander (*Salamandra atra*) The Alpine Salamander is a special little creature that lives in the mountains. It has shiny black skin and loves to hide under rocks and logs. This salamander is very good at staying warm in chilly places! - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Mountain regions ![Alpine Salamander](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Salamandra_atra_on_Triglav.jpg&width=800) Photo: Zsolt BARNA ( Kabóca ), CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Salamandra_atra_on_Triglav.jpg) ## Appearance The Alpine Salamander is entirely glossy black, giving it a distinctive, uniform appearance. It has a robust, cylindrical body with prominent glands behind its head and a thick, somewhat flattened tail. This sleek, dark colour is its most striking visual feature. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Caudata - **Family:** Salamandridae - **Genus:** Salamandra ## Interesting facts - Alpine Salamanders are shiny black to soak up sun, keeping them warm in chilly mountains. - It can take years for their babies to develop inside their mother! - These tough amphibians can live over 20 years high in the freezing Alps! - They only leave their hiding spots after rain, making them tricky to find! ## Special abilities - **Poison Pores:** Alpine Salamander can secrete a toxic milky substance from its skin glands, helping them deter predators like birds and mammals. - **Ice Warrior:** Alpine Salamander can endure cold temperatures and even brief periods of being frozen due to special sugars in their blood, helping them survive harsh alpine winters. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 12-15 cm - **Weight:** 0.01-0.03 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-25 years - **Speed:** 0.2 km/h ## Diet & Feeding This salamander enjoys a varied menu of tiny critters found in its damp mountain home. - **Primary Foods:** small insects, spiders, snails, worms - **Foraging Methods:** Ambush, Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Common Raven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-raven) (*Corvus corax*) — Ravens may prey on exposed salamanders. - **Eaten by:** [Asp Viper](https://www.snappit.app/explore/asp-viper) (*Vipera aspis*) — Vipers hunt slow-moving amphibians. - **Eaten by:** [Pine Marten](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pine-marten) (*Martes martes*) — Martens can hunt them in their mountain habitat. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Thermoregulating](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/thermoregulating): Thermoregulating organisms maintain a stable internal body temperature despite fluctuations in the external environment. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Regenerative](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/regenerative): Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs. - [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low If you see a salamander, look but don't touch! They can be delicate. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Alpine Salamander? Compare body shape, toes, markings, tail and skin texture. Tadpoles and larvae can look nothing like the adults they turn into. Amphibian Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Alpine Salamander? 12-15 cm ### How much does Alpine Salamander weigh? 0.01-0.03 kg ### How long does Alpine Salamander live? 10-25 years ### How fast can Alpine Salamander move? 0.2 km/h ### What does Alpine Salamander eat? This salamander enjoys a varied menu of tiny critters found in its damp mountain home. ### Where is Alpine Salamander usually found? Mountain regions ### How does Alpine Salamander hunt? Ambush and Foraging ## Where to spot - [Berchtesgaden National Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/berchtesgaden-national-park) — Bayern, DE · Park - [Paneveggio–Pale di San Martino Nature Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/paneveggiopale-di-san-martino-nature-park) — IT · Park - [Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/dolomiti-bellunesi-national-park) — IT · Park [View all places to see Alpine Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/alpine-salamander) ## More Amphibians - [Eastern Red-backed Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-red-backed-salamander) (*Plethodon cinereus*) - [California Slender Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-slender-salamander) (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*) - [Cuban Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cuban-tree-frog) (*Osteopilus septentrionalis*) - [European Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-toad) (*Bufo bufo*) --- Source: [Alpine Salamander: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/alpine-salamander)